1959 - 2008
Last week this world lost an amazing person. I cannot express my feelings on Ralph's life or my sadness over this loss. He was a great man who spoke the truth and had an amazing talent. Ralph is one of few people who I have always respected and admired.
His obituary, from his mother, Kathryn Wells -
A program of music and memories to honor the life and artistic
achievements of Ralph Wells will be held on Saturday, June 28th at 5
p.m. in the Scottish Rite Auditorium at 1512 SW Morrison Street in
Portland. The noted artist and operatic baritone died June 18th at his
home in Corvallis after a long struggle with a brain tumor and stroke.
Ralph was born on Oct. 1, 1959, in Portland to Arlen and Kathryn
Wells. Seeds planted in childhood often take a lifetime to blossom. In
Ralph's case, he was born to create theatre, art and music. His
parents, both of whom loved classical music, took him to the symphonies
and operas, and at the age of five, he was already watching old films
on TV. Ralph was to later teach Film History while still a student at
Portland State University, from whence he graduated, Valedictorian,
with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Ralph soon began to sing professionally and was in San Francisco's
Merola Opera program, followed by the Petrie Award from Oregon State
University. The award placed him in Germany, where he pursued his
parallel interests in art and music. His pen-and-ink work, whose
subjects spanned Oregon mountain scenes, as well as movie and artistic
legends, enjoyed widespread fame, both here and abroad.
Wells appeared in numerous operas throughout the country, singing over
40 roles. He debuted with the Los Angeles Opera in 2002, as Sonora in
Puccini's "Fanciulla del West," starring Placido Domingo. That same
year, he made his Lincoln Center debut in Gordon Getty's "Joan and the
Bells" at Juilliard. Wells returned to LA Opera for "Die Frau Ohne
Schatten" under the baton of Kent Nagano.
In 2006, Wells realized his dream of staging "Farewell, Vienna!" the
musical show he created about the life of legendary Austrian composer,
Erich Wolfgang Korngold, who fled the Nazis and found success in
writing film scores for the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Wells was a member of the Music Faculty at Oregon State University in
Corvallis, where his wife Elizabeth and he formed the Willamette
Concert Opera, which performed for four seasons there, as well as in
Portland and Eugene. He was to have sung in "Susannah" at the Scottish
Rite this coming weekend, where the memorial will be held.
Ralph Wells Studio was active for 10 years in Portland, with students
of all ages. His students, many of whom are in the chorus of Portland
Opera, brought him great joy and lasting friendships. He will be
greatly missed by all.
Wells is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth in Corvallis, mother
Kathryn, and brother Robert in Portland. Contributions may be given to the Oregon Humane Society.
